This is where you will find useful links to groups, resources and publications to help you deliver of a safe, evidenced based CT service.
National Best Practice Guidelines for the CT Colonography Service
The Role of the Radiographer in CT
Radiographer Reporting Statement
e-Learning for Health modules (e-LfH) have a large library of learning modules related to CT.
http://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/login
Weight-adapted iodinated contrast media administration in abdomino-pelvic CT: Can image quality be maintained?
Are reporting radiographers fulfilling the role of advanced practitioner?
CT Colonography for radiographers; A Guide to Performance and Image Interpretation
Stroke and transient ischaemic attack in over 16s: diagnosis and initial management
NICE Guideline NG128 published May 2019
Useful publications https://www.sor.org/practice/cross-sectional-imaging/stroke-imaging
PHE NDRL Website new or updated values November 2018
Employers have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are adequately trained for the radiation work they carry out. Radiographers working in CT are gatekeepers for a high radiation dose pathway and as such require particular skills in image optimisation with regard to vulnerable groups such as individuals who are or may be breastfeeding, individuals of childbearing potential, children and young adults.
The Department of Health (DoH) has written to all Trusts with recommendations for good practice in CT. https://www.sor.org/ezines/toptalk/issue-149/radiology-managers-asked-support-plans-improve-safety
Ask yourself these questions:
· Do you feel well informed about the UK radiation protection legislation relevant to radiographic practice?
· Have you heard of the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM?
· Do you know about how the new 2017 Regulations will affect your practice?
· Do you use “Pause & Check” in your department?
· Do you have an Image Optimisation Team in your department?
· Does your CPD involve elements of radiation protection? (Please note that as an SoR member, this is compulsory)
· Have you seen the IAEA’s radiation protection of patients’ website? (https://rpop.iaea.org/RPoP/RPoP/Content/index.htm)
· Do you image gently?http://www.imagegently.org/
· Are your CT protocols child-size?
If you have answered “No” to any of these questions, then you need some help.
SCoR is here to help you. Please see the radiation protection pages for more information. https://www.sor.org/practice/radiation-protection
If you are an assistant practitioner working as part of a CT team we would love to hear from you. Tell us what you do and what impact it has on your service.
Find out more about the scope of practice of an assistant practitioner here
Radiographers may work in CT on a rotational basis or as an experienced specialist or advanced practitioner.
If you have developed an innovative service within your CT department or if you are involved in CT related research and would like to share your work contact us at [email protected]
Non-medical advanced practitioners are increasingly expected to be educated to Masters Level and Consultant Practitioners to Doctorate Level. The College of Radiographers supports and encourages accreditation at both levels of practice.
Find out about accreditation here: https://www.sor.org/career-progression/advanced-practitioners/advanced-practitioner-accreditation
https://www.sor.org/career-progression/consultants/consultant-practitioner-accreditation
Contrast agents, like all Prescription Only Medicines (POM’s), must be prescribed prior to administration.
These links and documents will help in understanding the legal framework: